Tempers flared on Tuesday as a Champions League match between PSG and Istanbul Basaksehir was abruptly abandoned mid-game  after a match official was accused of casting racist slur against an official of the Turkish team.

Istanbul’s assistant coach, Pierre Webo, was sent off after a touchline dissent over the referee’s decision to call a foul against his team. 

Fourth match official, Sebastian Coltescu, had beckoned the centre referee, Ovidiu Haltegan to issue a red card to Webo for his troubles but he allegedly used a racist word- neg*o, to describe the Cameroonian in the process.

The remark drew the ire of Webo and his player, Demba Ba who challenged the spare Romanian referee. Players of both teams walked off the pitch afterwards in protest.

The officials deny racist intentions holding that the word simply means “black man” when translated in the official’s native Romanian language.

Demba Ba however does not buy such an explanation.

“Listen to me, you never say this white guy, you say this guy, so why when you mention a black guy you say ‘this black guy’?” he queried the official.

Tuesday’s incident once again highlights growing resistance against racism in football. Many commend Demba Ba for speaking up against the malaise.

Football authorities have been running campaigns to stamp out racism in football but Tuesday’s incident casts a shadow on the noble cause. The issue apparently runs deeper, even into the high echelons of the beautiful game.

Last month, English Football Association chairman, Greg Clarke was forced to resign after making highly inappropriate comments about “coloured footballers” before the British parliament.